Director Babis Tsokas takes us behind the scenes of his dramatised documentary Our Own Maria Callas, which screens at the GU Film House on Wednesday 21 February. Before you see the film, come along to this special talk and learn about the filmmaker’s motivations and inspirations in creating a film about the great opera diva Maria Callas. Presented in partnership with the Pammessinian United Association of NSW.

Our Own Maria Callas is a dramatised documentary, highlighting the Hellenic origins of the great diva of opera. The film concentrates on Callas’ personal history, artistic achievement and her Greek roots. It explores the life of the famous opera singer, interweaving archival footage with new scenes featuring actress Myrto Kamvisidi. Ticket includes pre-film reception with refreshments (from 6.20pm) and Q and A with director Babis Tsokas. Presented in partnership with the Pammessinian United Association of NSW.

In Search of Orpheus examines the mythical story of Orpheus and his connection with the island of Lesvos. It follows, in a poetic way, the traces of the mythical musician on this island, where, according to legend, his head and his lyre were washed up on the shore.

We ask ordinary people what they know about Orpheus, finding that each person has modified the story according to their own imagination and experiences. This is the "intangible cultural heritage" of Greece, the everyday culture of ordinary people, which defines our collective memory and identity. We also, incidentally, encounter the famous Chinese lyric poetess Lan Lan.

The tune of a well-known Greek song can be heard in neighbouring regions and far beyond, attached to lyrics in different languages. Adela Peeva traced it through several countries, hoping, she says, to illustrate common elements of Balkan culture; instead, she found it reflecting ethnonationalist conflicts, with different groups making rival claims to “own” it. The film (55 minutes) will be introduced by Eleni Elefterias Kostakidis. After the showing Alfred Vincent will discuss its content, showing, with the aid of YouTube, how the same tune can convey a quite different message. The event will end with a brief QandA.

Thursday 15 March

6.30pm

Greek Community Club, 206/210 Lakemba St, Lakemba

Free

Language: the film is in various languages with English subtitles; the introduction and presentation will be in English.